Xing Dong (L), a well-known Chinese artist, teaches an autistic child at the charity expo in Shenzhen, July 12, 2012. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]

SHENZHEN -- China's first national charity expo opened Thursday in the southern city of Shenzhen, displaying the country's charity projects and providing a platform for information-sharing and experience exchanges.

More than 500 social organizations, foundations, enterprises and educational institutions participated in the expo, which "shows the latest progress in the nation's charity development", Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu said in a letter of congratulations.

Hui said the expo is conducive to promoting traditional Chinese virtues and modern charitable spirit, as well as the country's charity sector.

He encouraged people from various circles to "help those in danger and relieve those in need" and asked charitable organizations to improve their social credibility and level of professionalism.

The government should strengthen supervision of charitable organizations so as to boost their transparency and development, Hui said.